the msc applied data science is a conversion course specifically designed for students with a background in humanities, social sciences, life sciences and business studies who want to be part of the university of essex's fast-growing digital economy. the course will build upon the students' undergraduate degree in the humanities, social or life sciences, giving them postgraduate-level skills in essential data science methods with various applications, covering case studies and applications of ai and data using a balance of methods and practical application.

the course introduces students to programming with the r language and as well as text analytics. relational databases and sql are developed and used for relevant applications from humanities, life sciences, linguistics, marketing and social science. the course encourages statistical thinking by data visualisations and guides students to develop their creativity within a scientific framework.

the leading department on this course, the department of mathematical sciences, is genuinely innovative and student-focused. the research groups are working on a broad range of collaborative areas tackling real-world issues. the department of mathematical sciences and the school of computer science and electronic engineering are working together with other departments across the university to deliver optional modules and summer projects with essex business school, the department of language and linguistics, the school of life sciences, the school of philosophy and art history, and the department of psychology. the course also benefits from many knowledge transfer partnerships which support students through placements and an interdisciplinary outreach culture.

the university of essex is committed to transformational education and inclusion, focused on learning opportunities for every student, responsive to their students’ needs and aspirations. the msc applied data science reflects this by supporting every student, from every background, and removing the barriers to their education.

this course is developed in collaboration with industry partners and public sector organisations, which include bt, profusion, essex county council, essex police, and suffolk county council. the university of essex's active links with industry can broaden their employment potential and offer placement opportunities.